September 4, 2026

Support for LGBT Veterans Impacted by the Armed Forces Ban (27 July 1967–12 January 2000) *Applications close on 12 December 2026*


Restorative Measures for LGBT Veterans Affected by the Armed Forces Ban (1967–2000)

The Ministry of Defence is delivering restorative measures to LGBT veterans impacted by the historic ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces.

Measures Available are:

• Non-Financial Restorative Measures: Includes letters of apology, replacement discharge papers, restoration of rank/commission, the Etherton Ribbon, and more.

• Financial Recognition Scheme - Dismissed or Discharged Payment of £50,000 for LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged solely due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Financial Recognition Scheme – impact Payment of up to £20,000 to eligible LGBT veterans to recognise the broader impacts of the Ban, assessed by an Independent Panel.

Further information about the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, Non-Financial Restorative Measures, how to apply and support available can be found on the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page: LGBT veterans: support and next steps - GOV.UK

Financial Recognition Scheme payments are tax-free and will not affect means-tested benefits.

Eligible individuals must apply before both Schemes close at 23:59 on 12 December 2026

Blandford: Garrison shuttle bus service to Blandford town (every Tuesday)

 

Click on poster above to enlarge.

Please see below for estimated timetable, please allow enough time to ensure that you do not miss the Bus.

Pick Up

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

Drop off only

Pass Gate House for Security Clearance

0930

1015

1110

1230

1325

1420

South Cresent/Racedown Road (either bus shelter)

0935

1020

1115

1235

1330

1425

Gunville Down Road (either bus shelter)

0940

1025

1120

1240

1335

1430

Ashley Wood Road (opposite bus shelter) [Officer's Quarters]

0945

1030

1125

1245

1340

1435

Black Lane

0950

1035

1130

1250

1345

1440

Drop Off

 

 

 

 

 

 

M&S Foodhall (Car Park, end of Nightingale Court walk-through)

0955*

1040*

1135*

1255*

1350*

-

East Street/Market Place Bus Stop [Drop-off only]

1000

1045

1140

1300

1355

-

Arrive Tesco Supermarket (ATM pull-in)

1005*

1050

1145*

1305

1400

-

Return Journey

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depart Tesco Supermarket (ATM pull-in)

-

1055

1215

1310

1405

-

The Ham Bus Stop (Morrisons Car Park) [Pick-up only]

-

1100

1220

1315

1410

-

M&S Foodhall (Car Park, end of Nightingale Court walk-through)

-

1105

1225

1320

1415

-

 

*Drop-off by request


This service will run every Tuesday up to and including 22 December.
Pilot Funded by Dorset Council. Service operated by Dorset Community Transport.

If you need any further clarification, please email blandfordgar-bgsuwelfare@mod.gov.uk.

NOTE: Anyone travelling into town on final run (1330/1340/1345 Camp pick-ups) will need to make their own way back.


Information provided by Bovington HIVE via Blandford BGSU welfare office.

Dorset: Adult learning courses




For information about courses, learning opportunities, learning at home and more please visit
https://www.webenrol.com/skillsandlearningace/

For details of local courses and information see links below.

Link to our online courses (courses are held online via Teams at specific times with a “live” tutor)

Link to distance learning courses (These are online modules that can be accessed whenever convenient)

Link to courses in Blandford

Link to courses in Poole, Wareham or Dorchester

Information about our employability and careers courses (also known as work skills)

Information about our English for Speakers of Other Languages courses

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Coffee morning every Tuesday hosted SSAFA Blandford camp.

 


Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison Thrift shop


Volunteers are always needed. Please call into the shop during opening times if you are interested in helping out. 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

September 3, 2026

Dorset: Pilates classes near Bovington

 


Information provided by Bovington HIVE


Blandford: Garrison mini bus for hire


The mini bus can be driven by anyone over the age of 25 years with a clean driving license that has been held for at least 24 months.
Contact Carl.Burman144@mod.gov.uk 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Garrison mini bus hire



Garrison owned air conditioned mini bus. 8 seats plus driver

Competitive hire rates - £35 per day. (£100 refundable deposit)
No mileage charges, Full fuel tank required on hand back

To book the minibus contact Bovington welfare office via email CMC-BovLulSU-WELFARE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk or telephone 01929 402239

The driver must have full clean Cat B licence and be over 25 years of age.

Hire of the mini bus is for Bovington/Lulworth Garrison military personnel and MOD civil servants.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE